For the overwhelming majority of people outside the French-speaking world the Hundred Years War consisted of a sequence of major English victories; above all Crécy; Poitiers and Agincourt. The only significant victor or 'hero' on the French side was Joan of Arc; and she ended up being burned at the stake. Yet somehow the war ended in a French victory and with England's martial energies being turned against itself in the Wars of the Roses. This book is intended to provide some balance. It will describe the campaign that brought the Hundred Years War to a close; with English possessions being confined to Calais and the Channel Islands. It will also explain how the somewhat unprepossessing and unmartial King Charles VII of France succeeded where his predecessors had failed. The campaign consisted of more than battles; of course; but it was marked by two major victories - at Formigny in 1450 and at Castillon in 1453. Formigny is of special interest because it saw French cavalry defeat English archers; in effect a reversal of Crécy; Poitiers and Agincourt; and could be interpreted as one of the last 'medieval' battles. Castillon is of interest because it was a victory of gunpowder artillery in fixed positions over a traditional medieval assault by mixed infantry and cavalry; and thus could be interpreted as one of the first 'modern' battles.
#2498890 in Books 2011-12-13 2011-12-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.34 x .52 x 9.84l; .99 #File Name: 184884408588 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great bookBy Charles BennerThis book is an informative book of the operational history of the Corsair. It is a little more brief in the photos than I would expected; but overall the book is a nice addition to my aviation literature collection.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An informative introduction to this aircraft.By Ned MiddletonAnother book in the `Profiles of Flight' series; this work provides an informative review of the history and all general elements of the Vought F4 Corsair for those who previously knew nothing whatsoever of this aircraft.At the outbreak of WW2 only four nations operated aircraft carriers - although France's only such vessel spent the entire war interned in a neutral port. The Royal Navy was the only navy to enter that war still flying small numbers of bi-planes (which took up far more space than single-wing aircraft which were able to fold those wings upwards) whereas the USA and Japan had already introduced far more powerful single-wing aircraft. As far as the US Navy was concerned; that conversion came about after a decision made in 1938 where it was decided to bring their carrier-based aircraft up to land-based performance levels. It was that requirement which led to the first prototypes of the Vought Corsair being designed around the most powerful aircraft engine of the day.This work provides a fascinating history of the Vought Corsair from those early beginnings right through the 14 years of production and all theatres of service - including WW2 and Korea; during which a staggering 12;582 aircraft were built. These include the 7 different versions; F4U-1; F4U-1A; FG-10; F4U-4; F4U-5NL; F4U-7 and F2G-1.Once again with this series of books; the work is well supported by a good selection of historical photographs throughout - including one which shows a surviving example of one which eventually flew with the Royal Navy. The book concludes with a fine selection of colour profiles by Dave Windle which depict 18 aircraft - mostly seen from both sides; in the various liveries of different Squadrons with which they served.Altogether; a most informative work which is well put together.NM
